Louis Dykes; Winter landscape evaluations

Published 10:49 pm Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Winter is a great time to look at home landscapes. Without the distraction of flowers and the immediacy of mowing and other landscape tasks, we can see problems that might be developing as our landscape matures. We can also make plans to garden smarter next season, reducing maintenance time and water use.

One of the biggest problems homeowners face is that over time the small trees that were planted when the house was first built become large enough to shade the turf below. As the shade becomes denser, the grass begins to thin. As the turf thins and roots grow, soil is exposed, and wind and rain begin to carry it off. This loss of soil not only affects the tree and turf, but also pollutes our waterways as the soil particles carry off the fertilizers and herbicides we’ve applied.

An examination of the lawn near trees will show where grass grows easily and where it starts to struggle. Mark the dividing line and plan to use a mulch or groundcover where the grass won’t grow.

If there are several trees, consider combining them into one bed. This will save maintenance time later. Not only will each tree not need to be edged individually, but also the larger area of mulch or groundcover will not need mowing at all, and may require less fertilizer and water. An easy way to plan bedlines is to use a clothesline and move it around on the ground until the proportions look right. Then run a lawnmower around the edge to make sure that it will easily manage the curves.

Another problem that occurs as landscapes mature is that plants often become overcrowded. Crowded plants don’t allow air to circulate freely, so they may be more susceptible to disease. Pest control is also more difficult when plants are crowded.

Removal of some plants may be necessary. In other cases, thinning the plants by careful pruning may be possible. Thinning can open the center of the plant to allow air to pass through while also reducing the size of the plants.

If plants are completely unsuited for the site, late winter is a good time to replant. Chose replacements that are adapted to existing site conditions, that will mature at a proper size, and that are disease and insect resistant. This will not only help to ensure healthy plants, but will reduce maintenance requirements, too.

Both young and old landscapes can have problems with poor drainage. Improper grading and soil settling can leave pockets that stay soggy, damaging turf and landscape plants. Frequent winter rains give ample opportunity for identifying these areas and changes can be made now, allowing plants to settle in again before the heat of summer.

Conversely, erosion can be a problem, especially on slopes. Since slopes don’t allow water to soak in, they’re often too dry for grass to be successful. Drought tolerant ground covers would be a better choice there.

Finally, a winter look at the landscape can reveal its structure, or lack of it. If it looks like an amorphous blob now, planting a few flowers in the spring won’t help. Consider adding shrub borders and mass plantings that will provide form, texture and color for the garden. Well planned, these borders can significantly reduce maintenance and water needs while beautifying the landscape.



Louis Dykes is County Extension Coordinator for Murray County. If you have any questions about growing plants in your garden or if you are having trouble with pests, call the Georgia Cooperative Extension Office, Murray County at 706-695-3031 or e-mail ldykes@uga.edu.